Proper Use

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

After applying coal tar, protect the treated area from direct sunlight and do not use a sunlamp for 72 hours, unless otherwise directed by your doctor, since a severe reaction may occur. Also, make sure you have removed all the coal tar medicine from your skin before you go back into direct sunlight or use a sunlamp.

Do not apply this medicine to infected, blistered, raw, or oozing areas of the skin.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water at once.

To use the cream or ointment form of this medicine:

Apply enough medicine to cover the affected area, and rub in gently.

To use the gel form of this medicine:

Apply enough gel to cover the affected area, and rub in gently. Allow the gel to remain on the affected area for 5 minutes, then remove excess gel by patting with a clean tissue.

To use the shampoo form of this medicine:

Wet the scalp and hair with lukewarm water. Apply a generous amount of shampoo and rub into the scalp, then rinse. Apply the shampoo again, working up a rich lather, and allow to remain on the scalp for 5 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.

To use the nonshampoo liquid form of this medicine:

Some of these preparations are to be applied directly to dry or wet skin, some are to be added to lukewarm bath water, and some may be applied directly to dry or wet skin or added to lukewarm bath water. Make sure you know exactly how you should use this medicine. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

If this medicine is to be applied directly to the skin, apply enough to cover the affected area, and rub in gently.

Some of these preparations contain alcohol and are flammable. Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other skin disorders:

For cleansing bar dosage form:

Adults—Use one or two times a day, or as directed by your doctor.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For cream dosage form:

Adults—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin up to four times a day.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For gel dosage form:

Adults—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin one or two times a day.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For lotion dosage form:

Adults—Apply directly to the affected area(s) of the skin or use as a bath, hand or foot soak, or as a hair rinse, depending on the product.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For ointment dosage form:

Adults—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two or three times a day.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For shampoo dosage form:

Adults—Use once a day to once a week or as directed by your doctor.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For topical solution dosage form:

Adults—Apply to wet the skin or scalp, or use as a bath, depending on the product.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For topical suspension dosage form:

Adults—Use as a bath.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.